PATC
The cabin is owned by the SNP and managed by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. The volunteer cabin overseer is Jack Berry. For information about renting the cabin, visit www.patc.net (more...) LOCATION
Rock Spring Cabin is located on the western slope of Hawksbill Mountain and looks out across the Page Valley to the Massanutten Range. The cabin is located 102 miles from Washington, 18 miles south of Thornton Gap, at Mile Post 48.1 on the Skyline Drive (Spitler Knoll Overlook). From the parking area, hike west about 50 yards on a side trail to the AT. Turn right (north) on the AT and hike 0.8 miles. Turn left on the side trail and descend 0.2 miles to the cabin, which is 200 yards past the hut. FEATURES
There are four bunk beds, blankets, wood stove, table, benches, cabinets and counter top. The cabin is well stocked with pots, pans, cooking utensils, bowls, plates, glasses, silverware, etc. There is a library, some game boards, a Coleman stove and Coleman lantern that are powered by propane canisters (bring your own canister). There is a covered front porch with fireplace and picnic table. Water is available from a spring 150 feet north of the cabin. There is a clean, locked privy. APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The cabin is 13.7 miles along the AT south of Thornton Gap, or 4.8 miles south of Skyland. It is 20.4 miles north on the AT from Swift Run Gap. It is 200 yards from the Rock Spring Hut, a three-sided shelter primarily used by AT hikers. Do not expect privacy. WINTER HIKE-IN DIRECTIONS
The Skyline Drive is often closed in the winter due to the threat of snow or icy conditions. Call 540-999-3500 to check on the weather and road closings before you depart for the Park. The cabin may be accessed when the Skyline Drive is closed by hiking from the east up the Cedar Run Trail. Be warned, this is a very challenging 5.8 mile hike, with a substantial elevation gain. Plan a morning departure, especially in winter conditions with full pack. Take US 211 to US 522 to VA 231 to VA 670. Turn right on VA 600 and left to parking area. Hike from parking area approximately 2 miles to Cedar Run Trail. Take the Cedar Run Trail approximately 2.8 miles to the AT at Hawksbill gap. Take the AT south approximately 1 mile to the Rock Spring Cabin cutoff trail. HAWKSBILL MOUNTAIN
Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in the SNP at 4,049 feet, and is is the favorite goal of hikers from this cabin. Ascend from the cabin to the AT and turn left. Go north 0.4 mile then take the Park Service trail right up Hawksbill Peak. It is 0.9 mile from the AT to the summit of Hawksbill, bearing left at fork near top. An alternative to returning by the same route is to continue on the Park Service trail, bearing left by intersections near the top and descending to Hawksbill gap, east of Hawksbill Peak. There go left a short distance to the AT and turn left (south), returning to the cabin after passing under hawksbill Cliffs. Total distance about 3.6 miles on the circuit, which can readily be reversed.
